US Bridges

297th ST 40 over Tequa Creek

FairPosted for load

Osage County, Kansas · 3.0S 0.5W of Quenemo · Structure no. 000701013505025

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
119 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
45
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

297th ST 40 over Tequa Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying 297th ST 40 over Tequa Creek in Osage County, Kansas. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 years old, younger than the Kansas average of 52.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 45 vehicles a day, projected to reach 54 by 2044. The structure is 119 ft (36.3 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
Carries297th ST 40
CrossesTequa Creek
Location3.0S 0.5W of Quenemo
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyOsage County
StateKansas
Coordinates38.52912, -95.53797
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.6 US tons
Inventory rating21.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length119 ft (36.3 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck100 ft (30.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic45 (2019)
Projected traffic54 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was 297th ST 40 over Tequa Creek built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is 297th ST 40 over Tequa Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in January 2025.

How much traffic does 297th ST 40 over Tequa Creek carry?

About 45 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is 297th ST 40 over Tequa Creek?

The structure is 119 ft (36.3 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns 297th ST 40 over Tequa Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.